ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues California Codes ....

OK I know this is an old topic but Bill was nice to steer me here when he saw my amazement as an easterner at this CA service method.

It was all very interesting and I have some questions if the person that submitted the pictures of the surface mounted 5 gang meter stack is still around.

First it looks like less than 200 amps for 4 meters isn't this a bit small?

And Same meter stack is that mast complete?

One 2 hole strap into the trim board to hold a service drop?

iwire --still around

1. actually this was an upgrade to 5 meters (4 units + 'house' electrical)...the total load on this 3-plex + front house + laundry room was around 75A!...I forget the calcs but none of these units had anything electrical besides the general lighting/recep load + one washer/dryer that was added (5th meter).

2. "and same meter stack, is that mast complete"?.....not sure what you're asking, yes the mast was complete...just waiting for Poco to hook up...in that photo the new mast was hooked up to the utility drop at the original (abandoned) mast.

3. that 2-hole strap was reinforced with blocking between the rafters behind the 2x facia using 3/8" x 4-1/2" lags (the interior wall was open to the rafters....our Poco requires 3/8 x 3" minimum and only a 2x4 to secure)...BTW - that 'trim' board is 2x material secured every 16"

Thanks for the reply.

That was a lot of gear to buy for 75 amps!

But if you need 5 meters what are you going to do.

The question on the one strap was because around here the POCO would ask for at least two connections to the building.

They would not consider the hub a support.

Interior service mast used to be normal in the Washington, DC area. I find them on existing buildings all the time but they are no longer installed here and I don't know when the practice changed.
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Tom